Are Component Cables OK with 1080i ?

I currently have an older DVD player and TV that have no HDMI inputs/outputs. Just component ins/outs, which look fine for a progressive DVD signal.

I'm also getting ready to drywall my HT ceiling and have installed as many wires as I can to future-proof my HT setup. The large duct I've installed in my HT ceiling will help for future cabling needs, too.

I'd like to know if the standard 3 component cables are OK for carrying Hi-def (1080i, 720p) signals, or do you need a specific HDMI cable? I'd need one about 25 feet long, and they seem to be scarce and expensive, unlike the component cables which are built in big lengths. These cables, by the way, are to connect my video source at the component rack to my front projector when I eventually get one.

And, is there any big advantage to the HDMI system, as opposed to the component system? (I guess if they're the ONLY cable to carry Hi-def, that's an obvious answer, but I'm not sure on that yet).

Component will carry a 1080i signal, but it will be analog, not digital, so if you're worried about the Dig to Analog and then back to Dig at your projector... then go with HDMI.

Also Component doesnt have HDCP which needs at least DVI or HDCP... so that leaves out up-conversion DVD players, and most likely the future HD tuners and HD-DVD/BlueRay discs. According to things I've read here, if you use component these future components will downconvert to 480p.

From the Blue Jeans Cables home page "Blue Jeans Cable now carries DVI cables, HDMI cables, and HDMI/DVI cables. After a lengthy search for cables capable of reliably carrying parallel digital video signals without information loss over distance, we now offer both single and dual link DVI-D cables, various DVI analog connection cables, HDMI cables, and HDMI/DVI adapter cables, all from AV Link, Inc. These DVI and HDMI cables are available in lengths up to 50 feet."

"You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer." Frank Zappa

There is a post in the Display Devices that speaks about running lengthy Component Cables. The suggestion I made was in lengthy runs you can use Shielded RF Coax Cable for your component video. It was further suggested by another poster that using RG-6 Coax Cable is best. RG-6 coax cable is used for Satellite and digital cable as oppose to RG-59 that's used for analog reception. This might be a cheap yet very effective solution to your problem. RG-6 Cable is used for HD broadcast as well via satellite and digital cable, there's no reason why it would not pass the best picture here. I spent 25.00 for Acoustic Research Component cables that I will be replacing this weekend with the RG-6 Shielded Cable with RF to RCA connectors and color tape.

I should point out, that I have already run 28 feet of Monster3 component cables from the receiver area to where my front projector will be. I got them brand new from Ebay for a good price.

I still am not sure if I can get HDMI or other future cables in 35-30 foot lengths, with little signal loss. Assuming I can, I will slide these future cables through my plastic duct when they become needed.

So the component cables are taken care of, but I guess that these will not pass all of the signals that I want, huh? Not enough bandwidth. At least according to those who have responded to my original post (thanks !).

Ok, I'm getting the picture, and the replies have helped. Cheers everyone, Tom.

Tom Kay: As far as I know, component cables can carry a high definition picture no problem.
They are trying to foist these HDMI cables on us because they want the video signal to be
encrypted, because they want it to be harder to copy from the original movie HD-DVD's.
Whereas component cables carry a pure analog signal straight to the t.v. for viewing.

I'd rather just stick with component cables. But we may have to use these HDMI cables to
get the HD picture from the HD-DVD players.

Also, I am not sure that in the future, cable boxes and satellite boxes that output HD will even support HD over component. Again, because of the studios fears. HDMI (or DVI) might be the *only* choice. Depending on how you're going to get your HD...

Also, I think by definition, all component video cables are 75 ohm and shielded coax cable. Some are RG-59 some are RG-6. But all are shielded coax.

If it's not worth waiting until the last minute to do, then it's not worth doing.

Jerome: You can buy real HD compatible coax (3 conductor) that was designed for HD analog frequencies. Do a web search for "Have Inc." in New York. This is where I bought my Canare stock.

Sat grade RG6 was designed for digital signals. While it will appear to work, a test pattern can often show loss of focus using the wrong cable.

You can get the good stuff in 3 different form factors: mini-coax, RG59 and RG6.

Instead of the generic hardware store RG6, call around to an electronics shop and see if they carry Belden 1694a, 7710a, or Canare V3-5CFB. This stuff is usually sold in spools to professional studios, but some places will cut you a length for a small cutting fee.